Always Sewing like Mad

I was beyond happy when Patty asked me if I would like to review her book and be part of the blog tour. I have been a fan of Patty’s from the beginning. Her patterns are really well written and illustrated. She takes you through each step with ease, and this book is no different. It is top notch.

This book is all about sewing with knits, which is great, because, let’s be honest, we all prefer to wear knits. But many of you are afraid. Patty breaks it all down for you – from types of knits, elastic, thread, trims, tools to use and more. (And you do not need a serger!) She has your back, so you need not fear! (Plus they really are very very forgiving!)

When you add all the valuable information that she gives you to the 20 patterns included in this book, it makes it a must have for everyone! Even if you have only boys or older children…they might get married someday and have girls. Everyone needs this book! It doesn’t matter if you’ve sewn a ton or are starting your journey. I really do recommend this one!!!

As soon as I got my copy from Wiley Crafts, I went through to mark the patterns that I just had to make right away….only I ended up marking almost all of them! Haley really needed some shorts – so I started with the yoga shorts. She LOVES them! After making the first pair, I went back and made more. But since she didn’t want the yoga waist band, (she is odd) I decided to add a little length to the leg so it ended up somewhere between the pants and the shorts versions in the book. They go together so quickly and the fit is great because it’s not all frumpy in the hip and thigh. Since we left off the yoga waistband, we opted for a simple elastic casing instead. I love that you can easily modify these patterns to specifically suit your child!

Of course, the bloom dress was one I had to make. (Pictured above.) It went together with ease and is SO cute. (Haley wore it on Easter.) Our favorite so far, however, is the Tie Strap Halter. I used ruffle fabric and we love it! Since I left off the contrast fabric along the bottom, I wish I would have lengthened it to extend the amount of time she could wear it. Of course, Patty recommends that in the book….I just cut before I read. (Bad me!) I’ll remember it for next time! Next on our list is the Swim Cover-up.

Anyway back to the book – I love that it is the spiral bound so it can lay flat on your cutting table. There are 9 pattern sheets included and each one is clearly labeled. Then every project clearly states which page to find the pieces that you need. I love that! The patterns are ones that your children will actually want to wear!

So to win a copy of the book, simply leave a comment below! I will select a winner on Friday, April 13th and Wiley Publishing will send you a copy! Yay! And be sure to follow the rest of the tour.

This book is a bargain even at the published price; free would be even better! Please consider me entered in the drawing.

I’m a newbie to knits, & my main problem is getting the right fit. I’m really, really, really hoping that you will share your expertise. For the halter top, for example, did you choose the size equal to your daughter’s exact chest measurement, did you choose a larger size to allow for wearing ease, or did you choose a smaller size to create negative ease? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I loved that she included patterns for bathing suits too. Genius. I would love to win this, because, you’re right- knots are the first things out of my kids’ closets. Everything else comes later for them.